Which Engine: Mercury Capri RS or Thunderbird TC

7_Zero · 02-17-2009, 11:56 PM

I was rumaging through the JY today for some parts for my stang and I came accross an '84 turbocharged Mercury Capri RS and a Thunderbird Turbo Coupe and was wondering which engine would be better to put in my '88 Mustang.

At this time I am somewhat content with my n/a 2.3L and I plan on running it for quite some time, but sooner or later I might want to do a swap. So I am just toying with the idea for now, still not sure if I will go through with getting it, but I want to be educated when I make the final decision. I can get the Capri's engine for $300 and the Turbo Coupe's for a bit more. (Not sure what they classify as a bit more.) So which engine would be better? Is $300 a good price for a turbo engine?

Depending on how things go, I will not do the swap for a few years so this engine will be set aside for a while, although the guys at the yard say that both engines are good, how do I know that they will run? What should I be aware of and look for so that when the time comes, it will function? Or since I am not in any hurry, should I wait for something better priced or newer to come along?

Thanks in advance for all of your input.

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evintho · 02-18-2009, 12:44 AM

Grab the Capri motor! Both are exactly the same internally and externally except that Capri motor has been modded! The intercooler and piping are non-factory pieces. I can't tell what I/C it is but it's definitely an aftermarket add on. SCORE on the upper intake! That manifold is a custom 120* rotated piece built specifically to run a front mount intercooler! It looks suspiciously like a Bob Lee rotated upper. Top quality piece!
Bob Lee's website
In addition, turbo'd '84 Capri RS' are fairly rare. I believe that's the only year they came turbo'd but I'm not an expert on Capris.

2.3's are pretty much bulletproof. The only downside is the heads tend to crack. You can usually give the bottom end a seal-n-shine and be good to go. The head is a different story. If it has a small crack you can usually get away with it. Lots of guys are pushing 400 hp with a small crack in their head. The yard owner obviously doesn't know or doesn't realize it has that manifold and I/C. Give him $300 but tell him, for his asking price you want the I/C and all the piping. Get all accompaning hardlines, hoses brackets, etc. Also, make sure you get the VAM connector and 6" of wiring too, as you'll need that to splice into your Mustang harness. You've found a deal, grab it!!

sleeper_inc · 02-18-2009, 02:14 PM

GET the capri. As evintho said, its modded so you'll save a few dollars. It even has a 1st gen bob's log that I run.

al_ngl · 02-19-2009, 11:42 PM

Wow, nice finds there. I thought the Turbo Coupes all had top mount intercoolers? The one I pulled my seats and sway bar from had a top mount intercooler.

sleeper_inc · 02-20-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by al_ngl

Wow, nice finds there. I thought the Turbo Coupes all had top mount intercoolers? The one I pulled my seats and sway bar from had a top mount intercooler.

83-86 non intercooled
87-88 intercooled

mopman93 · 02-20-2009, 05:20 PM

where's the junkyard, ill snag the capri even without the motor, an RS is a find

7_Zero · 02-20-2009, 08:37 PM

You guys are awesome! Thanks for your input, there is no way I would have been able to figure this stuff out on my own.

So I went back to the JY today and got some more pix. The guy said that $300 was for the engine only. The turbo would be another $100. So for $400 I could have everything under the hood. Is that still a reasonable deal? Or would I be better off getting a new turbo? How do you go about testing a turbo, and how much would a new one for this cost?

Another thing, how hard is it going to be to get parts for this? I know I have a difficult time finding parts for my '88 sometimes. With this being a rare find is it going to be difficult? Also is there any difference between this engine and an SVO's?

Lastly, the intercooler is directly in front of the radiator, and is almost the same size of the radiator is that normal? I have only seen intercoolers that are about 1/4 to 1/2 that size.

Quote:

where's the junkyard, ill snag the capri even without the motor, an RS is a find

That is disclosed until I decide if I can afford this or not. LOL I already asked about the whole car and was told that as soon as it enters the gate, it is parts only. If I had of caught it before it entered the yard I could have had the entire car.

sleeper_inc · 02-20-2009, 10:17 PM

I would grab EVERYTHING under the hood there.

To test a turbo, grab the shaft and wiggle it side to side and in and out. If there is little to no side to side it's good, if it pulls in and out, it needs a rebuild.

That car has a NPR intercooler in it, it's not the best but it is VERY good, so grab it as well.

Parts for these cars are easy to find if you know where to look

evintho · 02-21-2009, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleeper_inc

To test a turbo, grab the shaft and wiggle it side to side and in and out. If there is little to no side to side it's good, if it pulls in and out, it needs a rebuild.

That car has a NPR intercooler in it, it's not the best but it is VERY good, so grab it as well.

Parts for these cars are easy to find if you know where to look

What he says! However, I respectfully have to disagree with sleeper about the I/C. It's not an NPR, it's a Volvo intercooler. Not very good at all and a dime a dozen. Also, the I/C piping looks pretty hokey! The turbo is an IHI out of an '87-88 TC. It'll work but can only boost to 18 psi. A better turbo is sitting in that '84 TC. It's a T3 that'll boost into the high 20's. In addition, I'm told by someone more knowledgeable than I that the throttle body off the rotated intake is a T-Bird SuperCoupe unit. More airflow (CFM) which means more power! Nice V-band clamp on the end of that TB. Grab that too!

If it were me, I'd wheel and deal with the junkman. Tell him for the extra $100, you want your choice of turbos. Go with the T3 but make sure to check the shaft play and if he wants to toss in the Volvo I/C and piping, you'll take it. If not, no big deal.

As I said before, all 2.3 turbo motors are the same internally and externally. Parts are very easy to locate.

7_Zero · 02-23-2009, 03:13 AM

Not that I am paranoid or anything. LOL, but I might be getting the engine tomorrow. Is there anything else I should know? Things to look for and be aware of? I will look into the turbo a bit further and see if he'll allow for the swap. If the turbo has play is it worth the $100? Also, will the engine hook up to my T-5 or will I need some kind of conversion. Also what is the VAM and where is it typically located? Will I need the whole wiring harness or will my current harness fit the bill? Lastly will I need the computer?

Thanks again guys!